"We have also formed a partnership with Assitej SA who will administer our Best Production for Children category, now renamed Best Production for Young Audiences. They have selected four judges who are experts in theatre for young people. These experts will work together with our special children's panel of judges to expand this category to embrace the outstanding work being done by many new and exciting producers. Yvette Hardy, head of Assitej SA, was the recipient of last year's Executive Director's Award for her innovative work in developing theatre for young audiences in SA.
"Our third exciting partnership is with the Gauteng Department of Arts and Culture, which will administer and expand on another very important aspect of our theatre industry, Community Theatre, through its initiative, the Ishashalaza Awards. They will use their own panel of outreach judges and the winner will be announced at our awards ceremony in March."
Lindberg acknowledged the second year of major funding from Auto & General Insurance.
Carl Louw, executive head of marketing of Auto & General Insurance said: "Auto & General is very happy to expand its Corporate Social Investment footprint into the arts sector. Not only do we sponsor the Naledi Theatre Awards, but we have also obtained naming rights for the Auto & General
Theatre on the Square.
Naledi is grateful to the National Lottery Distribution fund for coming on board with much-needed funding in 2014. "This will enable us to give cash prizes to all the winners as well as film the entire event for television," said Lindberg.
Lindberg works very closely with her board of directors: chairman, Dali Tambo; Ismail Mahomed, artistic director of the National Festival of the Arts; and Welcome Msomi, chairman of the SA Film Board and a producer in his own right.
The panel of judges for the 2013 Awards are: Renos Spanoudes, Welcome Msomi, Peter Feldman, Carolyn Steyn, Dorianne Alexander, Laking Morgan, Ferosa Marais, Dr Lance Maron, Mandla Moutau, Lali Dangazele, Rudi Sadler and Helen Heldenmuth.
The judges meet twice a year when every single aspect of every production is discussed and analysed. Voting then takes place by secret ballot. Votes are audited by Zeridium Financials.
Entertainment at this year's awards event features artists from shows under review, including Judith Sephuma, Cito, Timothy Moloi, Zandile Mzazi, Burnise Sylvius, Michael de Pinna, Bianca le Grange and Angela Killian.
MC for 2014 is Lebo Mashile and top celebrities and artists will present the awards.
The Awards Ceremony for Productions staged during 2013 takes place on Monday, 17 March, 2014, at the Lyric Theatre at Gold Reef City Casino. As in the past, a selection of tickets is available to the public. Booking is at Computicket and tickets cost R200 including the cocktail party and the event. Students can come for R50.
For more, go to www.naleditheatreawards.org.za
